I Sit Beside The Fire And Think Novels & Stories

"And I am aware that we are not yet finished." I grin when I realize how true what he stated is. Together, we have fought and lost many battles, yet we have managed to continue. I feel a mixture of satisfaction and melancholy when I think back on our trials and triumphs. A persistent fear, But, cautions that the storm is never far away, even in this serene moment. We take our seats by a small, crackling fire near a clearing, where the firelight glows softly. Xander's massive arms embrace me, and I take comfort in his warmth. We may relax, if only temporarily, because of the soothing silence.

Holy hell, I thought I was fixing my problems, not adding to them! I grab the thick chenille throw that’s draped meticulously, though it’s meant to appear more haphazard, on the corner of the bench at the foot of the mammoth wooden frame and cross to the seating area, where I settle on the sofa, curled into the corner with a mound of pillows. The fire’s on a low setting and I listen to the snap and crackle of it, along with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

Ben stopped, his chest heaving as he caught his breath, and I collapsed beside him, my body shaking with exhaustion. For a long moment, neither of us spoke. We just sat there, listening to the distant crackle of the fire as it continued its deadly march across the forest below. The heat was still oppressive, but at least we weren’t in immediate danger of being engulfed in flames. After a while, I turned to Ben, my voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think it’s over?" He shook his head, wiping the ash from his face with the back of his hand. "No... fires like this don’t just stop. It’ll keep burning until there’s nothing left."

I remain alone in front of the fire for awhile, my clothes were still very much wet but the fire was certainly, doing it’s job to warm me up. The cave was quiet as I sat lost in thoughts, the only sound that you could hear was the raging storm outside. Colby was having a much deserved rest, but I was still in eyeshot of him if he were to get worried.

“I don’t know why I believe you, but I do.” He smiled. “I can see that; you’re no longer trying to burn my club down.” I looked down at myself and saw that the flames were indeed gone, but so were most of my clothes. I immediately tried covering myself. “Oh my God, I’m naked,” I said in horror.

Walking into the dressing room I changed back into my jeans and t shirt. Kevin walked me out to his chevy pickup and opened the door on the passenger side for me. "Thank you" 'Be on high alert cassi. ' I said to my wolf. 'I smell wolfsbane Ni. I don't like this. ' I heard her say then all went black.

“So do you understand now, Maddie?” I stared into the fire while the flames shifted and curled around the blackening wood, their light dancing across the campsite in restless waves, and for a moment I thought maybe if I kept looking at them long enough, they would somehow burn away the confusion tangled inside my chest. Unfortunately, all they did was illuminate it. “This is the part that's actually pathetic.” My voice sounded tired now.

I tried to imagine that my thoughts were a clean slate, that all my mind could think about was a blank nothing pig of darkness. I held my hands up to the logs and the same flame popped up. It flickered as the cold winter breeze flew threw the forest trees but it kept steady. I stared at the flame, watching it dance with the wind. I tried to keep my thoughts empty but my head couldn't help but think.

I comment, unsure of whether I’ve managed to get out of this or not. Without any invitation to - as if he needs any - he sits down beside me. I don’t tear my eyes away from the fire, too scared that if I look at him, he’s going to know there’s one of his private letters underneath my shirt. However, my decision to concentrate on the fire isn’t going me much good. The shock of feeling his presence next to me, to smelling that cloying scent of his is inescapable. “How are you finding it here? In the accommodation?” the asks. For a moment, I assume he is making conversation because he actually cares.

“You're finally awake, huh?” I nodded slowly, shifting my gaze to the bonfire near him. The smell of burning wood and the crackling of the fire drifting into my nose, pulling me closer to its warmth. Trees towered above, their branches swaying gently in the night breeze, casting eerie shadows in the flickering firelight. When I moved, a sharp pain shot up my side, causing me to wince.